The Remarkable Journey of General Richard E. Cavazos: From Humble Beginnings to Four-Star Excellence

Few individuals in history have epitomized the concept of being in the right place at the right time quite like General Richard E. Cavazos. Born on January 31, 1929, in Kingsville, Texas, to Mexican American parents, Cavazos embarked on a life journey that would ultimately lead him to become a trailblazing four-star general in the U.S. Army – the first of Hispanic descent.

Cavazos' life was a testament to resilience and determination. Despite a career-ending football injury during college, he persevered, entering the Army in 1951 after completing basic officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

His military journey took him to the Korean War, where his bilingual abilities were instrumental in bringing order to the chaos faced by the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as The Borinqueneers. His belief in the moral ascendancy of leaders fueled his bravery, earning him the Silver Star for capturing a wounded enemy soldier amidst enemy fire.

In 1953, Cavazos' leadership shone through during an intense battle to defend Outpost Harry. His unwavering commitment to rescuing fallen comrades, despite his own injuries, earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.

Returning to the United States, he continued to rise through the ranks, eventually leading the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment in Vietnam. His hands-on approach to leadership set him apart, earning the respect and admiration of those who served under him.

Cavazos' influence extended beyond the battlefield. He played a pivotal role in developing leadership programs for high-ranking officers and mentored countless Hispanic Soldiers, paving the way for their military careers.

In 1984, after 33 years of dedicated service, General Richard E. Cavazos retired from the Army, leaving an enduring legacy. His historic appointments as the first Hispanic brigadier general in 1976 and later as a four-star general in 1982 underscored his exceptional contributions to the military.

Sadly, in 2017, General Cavazos passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from Alzheimer's. His memory lives on in the countless Soldiers he inspired and in the renaming of Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos on May 9, 2023, a fitting tribute to an American hero.

General Cavazos' life story continues to inspire us, reminding us of the power of determination, leadership, and the indomitable spirit that defines our school's namesake.